No full review this time, just the highlights and special moments for me. Which still makes for a long read
As I sat in the front row and the stage was super close to the audience, with no barrier or orchestra between us and the singers, I totally felt part of the whole experience.
Walking in the air was the first true highlight of the concert for me. More than any other times I heard it, it transported me to a magical place where anything is possible. I felt like I was back in some fairytale land from my childhood, disbelief suspended for good, wishing it would last forever. Absolutely wonderful. Only the first ever live rendition, in Tokyo 2019, came close.
Sitting directly opposite Luca as he sang the vocalise in
Voca Me made listening to that song the most powerful and intense experience I ever had at a Libera concert - or any concert for that matter. As he stood there in the dark blue light, I felt the energy coming off of him and I heard those breathtaking notes coming directly from his mouth, which was extraordinary.
The buildup to the climax was even more next level. Daniel sang in such an achingly pleading way that the sound as a whole was almost more than I could take. The crescendo finished with precision and clarity, and landed ever so softly… What a moment.
The third highlight was - ofcourse - Freddie’s
Ave Verum. It was stunning and such a surprise. The melody by Albinoni is so full of yearning, like a cry for salvation. Freddie’s singing filled the entire room, adorned with flashes of ‘miserere’ from a choir of supporting angels. The finale, with the repeated calls to Jesus, had one striking moment where Freddie sang ‘Jesu’ in the most heartbreaking way - full of life and longing, just… beyond words. The Name above all names, as my faith proclaims, uttered in the most beautiful way, as an entire prayer.
Other special mentions:
Mitchell - I loved his glowing voice together with Freddie in
Libera. This was definitely one of the live versions I enjoyed the most. I also enjoyed how he sang with Victor in
Smile. I felt like Victor passed the baton to him. So lovely, especially for a song like this, which has such bittersweet overtones.
Laurence in
Wexford Carol sang with such a gentle, tender voice, giving his own flavour to this beloved song.
The choir as a whole sounded so warm and clear. Luca’s vocalises (
Ding dong,
Sanctus) emphasised the overall sound, rather than drawing all the attention. This wonderful blend actually moved me.
The same can be said about
Sing forever. Somehow it felt so earnest this time. The colourful solos by Joseph and Nathan, followed by the group - all of it had a really sincere feel.
Daniel’s solo in
Come my way was tender and slightly melancholy, due to his changing voice. It’s wonderful to witness him as he matures as an artist. I hope he will always maintain that natural ease and emotional intelligence he brings to his singing.
In one of the speeches, the war in Ukraine was mentioned, along with a wish for peace. The longing for peace, and glimpses of it, could be felt in this concert.
The glint in the eyes, the smiles, the impossibility to resist moving along to the beat. The hard work and dedication by all those involved, and the way Libera’s music brings people from all over the world together.
I’ll finish here by following Libera’s example and wishing everyone: Merry Christmas!
Dear Santa, IF I had just one wish... 
